9 dead. Several others injured
Years ago the email came around where gunmen entered the church and “separated” the flock for the pastor. Some might have laughed. I’m sure we’re not laughing now. According to an eyewitness, the young man questioned the students about their religion prior to shooting. Christians were shot In the head, other religious affiliation met it in the leg. True or not, this underscores the seriousness of the times in which we live. It also makes the last phrase In today’s nougat hard to absorb.
And forgive us our sins as we forgive every one who wrongs us. Lead us not into temptation, BUT deliver us from evil. Luke 11.4
This week’s tragedy is the kind that causes many to question God’s capabilities. Isn’t it so very easy to follow the path of “Where was God?” or “Why did God allow this?” or “How is God all powerful and this was not prevented?”
For where was God, I’d say God was where God always is. At our sides, with the folks at the school and wherever else tragedy strikes. For why God allowed this (or any other tragedy including sudden death or suicide), I’m saying I don’t know that God wanted this, but giving humanity the power of choice means our choices don’t always have positive returns. And for how is God all powerful, I’m seeing the image of a patent watching her child playing, seeing the disaster and opting to pick up the pieces and comfort the child.
No. I don’t have easy answers.
But like Paul speaking to Timothy while imprisoned; I’m willing to say I know whom I’ve believed in and am persuaded that my God is able to keep (and sustain and protect and deliver from the evil one) that which I have handed over to my God until the day of reckoning. (2 Tim 1.12b) What is it that I’ve entrusted to God? That which God owns already – me and my family and friends and “frenemies” and foes.
And so long I remain with my Jesus, I am delivered from the evil one.
Lord Jesus, heal our pain, restore our faith, and deliver us from the evil one.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
